U.S. patent application number 16/071705 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-31 for intelligent office furnishings.
This patent application is currently assigned to HERMAN MILLER, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is HERMAN MILLER, INC.. Invention is credited to Kurt Dykema, Jeff Gibson, Christopher Hoyt, Nicolas Milani, Dave Moelker, Jared Thomas.
Application Number | 20190029412 16/071705 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59398625 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-31 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190029412 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gibson; Jeff ; et
al. |
January 31, 2019 |
INTELLIGENT OFFICE FURNISHINGS
Abstract
A method of operating a desk including receiving, at a desk
controller, a message from a chair, and determining a position of a
user based on the message. The message includes an indication of a
sensed rotation of the chair. The method also includes generating,
via the desk controller, a control signal for a motor based on the
position of the user. The motor is coupled to a support framework
of the desk. The method further includes changing a height of the
support framework of the desk according to the control signal.
Inventors: |
Gibson; Jeff; (Zeeland,
MI) ; Hoyt; Christopher; (Grand Rapids, MI) ;
Milani; Nicolas; (Zeeland, MI) ; Dykema; Kurt;
(Holland, MI) ; Moelker; Dave; (Holland, MI)
; Thomas; Jared; (Zeeland, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HERMAN MILLER, INC. |
Zeeland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HERMAN MILLER, INC.
Zeeland
MI
|
Family ID: |
59398625 |
Appl. No.: |
16/071705 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
January 25, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US17/14904 |
371 Date: |
July 20, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62286731 |
Jan 25, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2009/006 20130101;
A47B 2200/0061 20130101; A47B 2200/0062 20130101; H04Q 9/04
20130101; A47B 2200/0039 20130101; A47B 21/02 20130101; A47B 83/02
20130101; A47B 2200/0056 20130101; H04Q 2209/823 20130101; A47B
9/00 20130101; G08B 21/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 9/00 20060101
A47B009/00; G08B 21/22 20060101 G08B021/22; A47B 21/02 20060101
A47B021/02; A47B 83/02 20060101 A47B083/02 |
Claims
1-19. (canceled)
20. A desk comprising: a work surface; a support framework for
supporting the work surface; a motor coupled to the support
framework, the motor operable to move the support framework to
change a height of the support framework; a wireless communication
circuit coupled to the work surface, the wireless communication
circuit operable to receive a message from a chair within a
communication range of the wireless communication circuit, the
message including an indication of a sensed rotation of the chair;
a controller coupled to the work surface, and electrically coupled
to the motor, the controller operable to receive the message from
the chair indicative of the sensed rotation of the chair, determine
a position of a user based on the received message, and generate a
control signal for the motor based on the determined position of
the user.
21. The desk of claim 20, further comprising a sensor coupled to
the work surface, the sensor operable to generate an output
indicative of a presence of the user near the desk, and wherein the
controller is configured to receive the output from the sensor, and
determine the position of the user based on the received message
and the output from the sensor.
22. The desk of claim 21, wherein the controller is operable to
determine that the user is in a standing position when the message
indicates no rotation of the chair and the output of the sensor
indicates that the user is near the desk, and wherein the control
signal causes the motor to increase the height of the support
framework in response to the controller determining that the user
is in the standing position.
23. The desk of claim 21, wherein the message includes an occupancy
output indicative of whether the chair is supporting a weight of
the user, and wherein the controller is operable to determine the
position of the user based on the occupancy output.
24. The desk of claim 23, wherein the controller is operable to
determine that the user is in a sitting position in which the chair
supports the weight of the user when the occupancy output is high
and the output from the sensor indicates that the user is near the
desk, and wherein the control signal causes the motor to decrease
the height of the support framework in response to the controller
determining that the user is in the sitting position.
25. The desk of claim 21, wherein the controller is operable to
determine that the user is in an absent position when the message
indicates that the sensed rotation of the chair exceeds a
threshold.
26. The desk of claim 20, wherein the motor changes the height of
the support framework between preset heights, the preset heights
including a standing height and a sitting height.
27. The desk of claim 26, wherein the wireless communication
circuit is operable to receive a second message from an external
device, the external device storing the preset heights in a memory
of the external device, and the second message including one
selected from a group consisting of the standing height and the
sitting height.
28. The desk of claim 20, further comprising a manual actuator
coupled to the controller, and wherein the controller is operable
to receive a user input via the manual actuator, and change the
control signal for the motor in response to receiving the user
input.
29. The desk of claim 28, wherein the controller is operable to:
after changing the control signal to the motor, receive a second
message including an occupancy output indicative of whether the
chair is supporting a weight of the user, determine the position of
the user based on the occupancy output, and generate a second
control signal for the motor based on the determined position of
the user.
30. A method of operating a desk, the method comprising: receiving,
at a desk controller, a message from a chair, the message including
an indication of a sensed rotation of the chair; determining, at
the desk controller, a position of a user based on the message;
generating, via the desk controller, a control signal for a motor
based on the position of the user, the motor coupled to a support
framework of the desk; and changing a height of the support
framework of the desk according to the control signal.
31. The method of claim 30, further comprising: generating, via a
sensor mounted on the desk, an output indicative of a presence of
the user near the desk; and wherein determining the position of the
user includes determining, by the desk controller, the position of
the user based on the message and the output from the sensor.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein determining the position of the
user includes determining, by the desk controller, that the user is
in a standing position when the message indicates no rotation of
the chair, and the output from the sensor indicates that the user
is near the desk, and wherein changing the height of the support
framework includes increasing the height of the support framework
in response to determining that the user is in the standing
position.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein receiving the message from the
chair includes receiving the message from the chair, the message
also including an occupancy output indicative of whether the chair
is supporting a weight of the user, and wherein determining the
position of the user includes determining, by the desk controller,
the position of the user based on the occupancy output.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein determining the position of the
user includes determining, by the desk controller, that the user is
in a sitting position when the occupancy output is high, and
wherein changing the height of the support framework includes
decreasing the height of the support framework in response to
determining that the user is in the sitting position.
35. The method of claim 31, wherein determining the position of the
user includes determining, by the desk controller, that the user is
in an absent position when the message indicates that the sensed
rotation of the chair exceeds a threshold.
36. The method of claim 30, wherein changing the height of the
support framework includes changing the height, via the motor, of
the support framework between preset heights, the preset height
including a standing height and a sitting height.
37. The method of claim 36, further comprising receiving, at the
desk controller, a second message from an external device, the
external device storing the preset heights in a memory of the
external device, and the second message including one selected from
a group consisting of the standing height and the sitting
height.
38. The method of claim 30, further comprising: receiving, at the
desk controller, a user input from a manual actuator mounted on the
desk; and changing, by the desk controller, the control signal for
the motor in response to receiving the user input.
39. The method of claim 38, further comprising: after changing the
control signal, receiving a second message including an occupancy
output indicative of whether the chair is supporting a weight of
the user; determining, by the desk controller, a second position of
the user based on the occupancy output; and generating a second
control signal for the motor based on the second position of the
user.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to office furnishings. In
particular, the present invention relates to intelligent office
furnishings.
SUMMARY
[0002] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of
communicatively pairing a first furnishing item with a second
furnishing item. The method includes impacting the first furnishing
item against the second furnishing item, generating a first output
with a first sensor of the first furnishing item in response to the
impact between the first furnishing item and the second furnishing
item, and generating a second output with a second sensor of the
second furnishing item in response to the impact between the first
furnishing item and the second furnishing item. The method also
includes receiving, by a controller, the first output, receiving,
by the controller, the second output within a predetermined time of
receiving the first output, and pairing a first communication
circuit of the first furnishing item with a second communication
circuit of the second furnishing item in response to receiving the
second output within the predetermined time of receiving the first
output.
[0003] In another embodiment, the invention provides a desk
including a work surface, a support framework for supporting the
work surface, and a motor coupled to the support framework. The
motor is operable to move the support framework to change a height
of the support framework. The desk also includes a wireless
communication circuit coupled to the work surface, a sensor coupled
to the work surface, and a controller coupled to the work surface.
The wireless communication circuit is operable to receive a message
from a chair within a communication range of the wireless
communication circuit. The message includes information regarding a
sensed rotation of the chair. The sensor is operable to generate an
output indicative of a presence of a user near the desk. The
controller is electrically coupled to the motor. The controller is
operable to receive the output from the sensor, receive the message
from the chair indicative of the sensed rotation of the chair,
determine a position of the user based on the received message and
the received output from the sensor, and generate a control signal
to the motor based on the determined position of the user.
[0004] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an intelligent furnishing
system.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a chair of the intelligent
furnishing system of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a back view of a portion of the chair of FIG.
2.
[0008] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrates a occupancy sensor positioned near a
seat of the chair of FIG. 2.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a desk in a first
position.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the desk in a second
position.
[0011] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a paddle switch of the desk of
FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a first method of paring
the desk and chair of the intelligent furnishing system of FIG.
1.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a second method of
pairing the desk and chair of the intelligent furnishing system of
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of
automatically moving the desk from the first position to the second
position.
[0015] FIGS. 11-14 are exemplary screenshots of graphical user
interfaces generated by a mobile communication device of the
intelligent furnishing system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways.
[0017] It should be noted that a plurality of hardware and software
based devices, as well as a plurality of different structural
components may be utilized to implement the invention. Furthermore,
and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific
configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to
exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative
configurations are possible. The terms "processor" "central
processing unit" and "CPU" are interchangeable unless otherwise
stated. Where the terms "processor" or "central processing unit" or
"CPU" are used as identifying a unit performing specific functions,
it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, those
functions can be carried out by a single processor, or multiple
processors arranged in any form, including parallel processors,
serial processors, tandem processors or cloud processing/cloud
computing configurations.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an intelligent furnishing system 10
including a first furnishing item 20, a second furnishing item 25,
and a mobile communication device 30 (e.g., an external device). In
the illustrated embodiment, the first furnishing item 20
corresponds to a chair, and the second furnishing item 25
corresponds to a desk. More particularly, the second furnishing
item 25 is a height adjustable desk (commonly referred to as a
sit-stand desk) that changes heights so a user can either sit at
the desk or stand at the desk. The chair 20, desk 25, and mobile
communication device 30 communicate with each other via a short
range wireless network 35, such as a Bluetooth.RTM. network. As
further explained below, these communications are used to control
automatic movement of the desk 25 between a sitting height, or
position, and a standing height, or position. In the illustrated
embodiment, the mobile communication device 30 is associated with a
particular user.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the chair 20 includes a back 40, a seat
45, and a support structure 50. The chair 20 may be, for example,
an Aeron chair sold by Herman Miller of Zeeland, Mich. The
illustrated chair 20 also includes a plurality of sensors and
electronics coupled to different structures of the chair 20. For
example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chair
20 includes a rotation sensor 55, a chair impact sensor 60, a first
capacitive sensor 65, a second capacitive sensor 70, an occupancy
sensor 75, a height sensor 80, a chair controller 85, and a chair
communication circuit 90. The term "chair sensors" is used to refer
to sensors 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 individually, collectively, and
in various combinations with each other or in combination with
other sensors not explicitly noted here. The chair sensors gather
data about the chair 20, such as the position of the chair 20
relative to the desk 25, whether a user is occupying the chair 20,
and the position of the user within the chair 20. The chair
controller 85 receives and processes data from sensors, and the
chair communication circuit 90 transmits this data to the desk
25.
[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the chair controller 85 is
implemented by a processor or microcontroller. In some embodiments,
the chair controller 85 may be physically supported by the chair
20. In other embodiments, the chair controller 85 may be located
remotely from the chair 20. For example, the chair controller 85
may be part of the mobile communication device 30 such that data
processing is performed by the mobile communication device 30.
Alternatively, the chair controller 85 may be physically supported
by the desk 25. Further, the chair controller 85 may be part of a
remote server with which the chair 20 communicates via the
communication circuit 90. In such embodiments, the chair
communication circuit 90 sends unprocessed data from the chair
sensors to the chair controller 85.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation sensor 55
includes a magnetometer supported by the chair 20 and electrically
coupled to (e.g., electronically communicates with via a wired or
wireless configuration) the chair controller 85. The magnetometer
measures the direction of the earth's magnetic field and generates
an angular output indicative of an angle from a reference position
(e.g., when the magnetometer faces to the "front") to earth's
magnetic north. In one embodiment, the magnetometer is positioned
within the chair 20 at a top 95 of the support structure 50. The
angular output of the magnetometer changes according to the
rotation of the chair 20. For example, as the chair 20 rotates to
the right, the angular output from the magnetometer increases, and
as the chair 20 rotates to the left, the angular output from the
magnetometer decreases. In other examples, however, the change of
the angular output from the magnetometer may change differently
according to the rotation of the chair 20.
[0022] In some embodiments, the rotation sensor 55 includes other
types of sensors, such as a gyroscope, an encoder, or a camera. The
chair 20 may include one or more rotation sensors 55 to determine
the rotation of the chair 20. The rotation sensor 55 determines a
reference value for a reference position. In other words, the
rotation sensor 55 measures its output when the chair 20 is in a
reference position (e.g., facing the desk 25). Subsequent
measurements from the rotation sensor 55 are then compared to the
reference value to determine the amount of rotation (e.g., the
angular output) with respect to the reference position. The
rotation sensor 55 outputs an angular output indicative of a
rotation of the chair 20 with respect to a reference position.
[0023] The rotation sensor 55 sends the angular output to the chair
controller 85. The chair controller 85 may compare a plurality of
angular outputs from the rotation sensor 55 to determine whether
the chair 20 rotates (or has rotated), and the direction of
rotation (e.g., whether the chair 20 rotates to the clockwise or
counterclockwise relative to the desk 25). In some embodiments, the
chair controller 85 may determine the rotation of the chair 20
based on one or more angular outputs from the rotation sensor 55.
For example, the chair controller 85 may determine that the chair
20 rotates (to the right or to the left) when the angular output
(or the absolute value of the angular output) from the rotation
sensor 55 exceeds a predetermined threshold. In such an example,
the predetermined threshold is indicative of a rotation of the
chair 20. In some embodiments, the chair controller 85 may
determine that the chair 20 rotates when a difference between two
angular outputs from the rotation sensor 55 exceeds a predetermined
threshold. In other embodiments, the chair controller 85 may
analyze the rate of change of the angular outputs from the rotation
sensor 55 to determine a speed of rotation of the chair 20. In some
embodiments, a combination of analyses of the angular outputs from
the rotation sensor 55 is performed to determine the rotation of
the chair 20.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the chair movement sensor 60
includes an accelerometer supported by the chair 20 and is also
electrically coupled to (e.g., communicates with) the chair
controller 85. The chair accelerometer measures an acceleration of
the chair 20 and generates a movement output indicative of change
in movement of the chair 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the
accelerometer is a three-axis accelerometer. The change in movement
of the chair 20 may be indicative of a change of location of the
chair 20 (e.g., displacement about a room), an impact received by
the chair 20, or a change in position of the chair (e.g., changing
a reclining angle of the chair 20). As shown in FIG. 2, the chair
accelerometer is positioned on the back 40 of the chair 20. In some
embodiments, the chair accelerometer is positioned elsewhere on the
chair 20. In one example, as the back 40 of the chair 20 is moved
into a reclined position (i.e., the reclining angle changes), the
movement output from the chair accelerometer changes rapidly.
Similarly, when the back 40 of the chair 20 moves from a reclined
position to an upright position, in which the back 40 of the chair
20 is approximately perpendicular to a horizontal reference level
(e.g., the floor or ground), the movement output from the chair
accelerometer changes rapidly again.
[0025] In some embodiments, the chair movement sensor 60 may
include a chair vibration sensor (e.g., a jiggle sensor). The chair
vibration sensor may be used to replace the chair accelerometer and
generate the movement output. In some embodiments, the chair 20 may
include both an accelerometer and a vibration sensor to generate a
first and a second movement outputs. The chair vibration sensor may
be electrically coupled to the chair controller 85. The vibration
sensor may also be configured to generate the movement output when
a vibration is detected on the chair 20 (e.g., a bump to the chair
20). The movement output from the vibration sensor, like the
movement output from the accelerometer may be sent to the chair
controller 85. In some embodiments, the chair 20 may include both a
chair accelerometer to detect changes in position of the user
(e.g., reclined vs. upright) and a vibration sensor to detect
impacts (e.g., bumps or taps to the chair 20).
[0026] The chair movement sensor 60 sends the movement output
(e.g., from the chair accelerometer, the chair vibration sensor, or
both) to the chair controller 85. The chair controller 85 analyzes
one or more movement outputs to determine whether the chair 20 has
been moved (e.g., to a different location within a room), the
position of the chair 20 has changed (e.g., the chair 20 moved from
an upright position to a reclined position or from a reclined
position to an upright position), or an impact was received by the
chair 20. For example, the chair controller 85 may determine that
the chair 20 moves or shifts position when the movement output
(e.g., the absolute value of the angular output) from the chair
movement sensor 60 exceeds a predetermined threshold. In such an
example, the predetermined threshold is indicative of a movement or
shift in position of the chair 20. In some embodiments, the chair
controller 85 uses different predetermined thresholds to determine
what type of movement change was experienced by the chair 20. For
example, the chair controller 85 may determine that the reclining
angle of the chair 20 changed if the movement output exceeds a
first predetermined threshold, an impact was received by the chair
20 when the movement output exceeds a second predetermined
threshold, and/or the chair 20 moved positions (e.g., to a
different location within or outside a room) when the movement
output exceeds a third predetermined threshold. In some
embodiments, the chair controller 85 may determine that the chair
20 shifts positions when a difference between two movement outputs
from the chair movement sensor 60 exceeds a predetermined
threshold. In yet other embodiments, the chair controller 85 may
analyze the rate of change of the movement outputs from the chair
movement sensor 60 to determine the change in position or location
of the chair 20. In some embodiments, the chair controller 85 may
perform a combination of the analyses described above to determine
whether the chair 20 shifts position and/or moves location.
[0027] The first capacitive sensor 65 and the second capacitive
sensor 70 are also supported by the chair 20 and electrically
coupled to (e.g., communicate with) the chair controller 85. The
first capacitive sensor 65 and the second capacitive sensor 70
determine the degree of engagement of the back 40 of the chair 20
in supporting a user while sitting. In other words, the first
capacitive sensor 65 and the second capacitive sensor 70 help
determine a user's specific sitting position. Each of the first
capacitive sensor 65 and the second capacitive sensor 70 generates
a pressure output indicative of a pressure exerted by the user on
the back 40 of the chair 20.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a back view of the back 40 of the chair 20. FIG. 3
illustrates the first capacitive sensor 65 and the second
capacitive sensor 70 positioned on the back 40 (and, more
particularly, on the lumbar support) of the chair 20. In some
embodiments, the first capacitive sensor 65 and the second
capacitive sensor 70 form a single capacitive pad that is
physically coupled to the back 40 of the chair 20. The first
capacitive sensor 65 and the second capacitive sensor 70 each send
the pressure outputs to the chair controller 85. Based on the
pressure outputs from the first capacitive sensor 65 and the second
capacitive sensor 70, the chair controller 85 determines how much
pressure the user exerts on the back 40 of the chair 20. In other
words, the chair controller 85 can determine whether the user's
back is resting on the back 40 of the chair 20 in a recline
position, whether the user's back is resting on the back 40 of the
chair 20 in a slouch position, or whether the user's back is
separated from the back 40 of the chair 20 (e.g., the user is
sitting in a perch position).
[0029] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the occupancy sensor 75 is
supported by the chair 20 and electrically coupled to (e.g.,
communicates with) the chair controller 85. The occupancy sensor 75
detects a condition of the chair 20. In particular, the occupancy
sensor 75 determines whether a user is currently occupying (e.g.,
sitting on) the chair 20. The illustrated occupancy sensor 75 is
positioned underneath and on a seat pan 105 of the seat 45 of the
chair 20, as shown in FIG. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the
seat pan 105 provides a support structure for a pellicle 107 that
supports a user when the user sits on the chair 20. In other
embodiments, the seat pan 105 may support other materials (e.g., a
foam seat) that support the user when sitting on the chair 20. The
occupancy sensor 75 includes a switch assembly 110 that is
switchable between a first position (FIG. 4A) indicative of the
chair 20 being vacant and a second position (FIG. 4B) indicative of
the chair 20 being occupied. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the chair 20
is vacant, the seat pan 105 is separated from the switch assembly
110. However, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the chair 20 is occupied,
the weight of the user generates a downward and outward force F,
which causes the seat pan 105 to move downward and activate the
switch assembly 110. The switch assembly 110 is electrically
coupled to the chair controller 85 to indicate whether the switch
assembly 110 is in the first position or the second position (i.e.,
whether the chair 20 is vacant or occupied).
[0030] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the height sensor 80 is
also supported by the chair 20 and electrically coupled to (e.g.,
communicates with) the chair controller 85. The height sensor 80
determines a height of the seat 45 of the chair 20. In other words,
the height sensor 80 determines a distance between the seat 45 and
the bottom 115 of the support structure 50 (FIG. 2). In the
illustrated embodiment, the height sensor 80 is a time-of-flight
sensor. The height sensor 80 is configured to generate and transmit
a signal (e.g., a light wave, an ultrasound wave, and the like).
The height sensor 80 waits for the signal to be reflected back
toward the height sensor 80 and calculates a distance based on the
time between the transmitted signal and the received reflected
signal. The height sensor 80 then sends the calculated distance to
the chair controller 85. In some embodiments, the height sensor 80
sends the time between the transmitted signal and the received
reflected signal to the chair controller 85. The chair controller
85 then calculates the distance between the seat 45 and the bottom
115 of the support structure 50 based on the time received from the
height sensor 80.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the chair controller 85 receives outputs
from the rotation sensor 55, the chair movement sensor 60, the
first capacitive sensor 65, the second capacitive sensor 70, the
occupancy sensor 75, the height sensor 80, and the chair
communication circuit 90. As described above, each of the chair
sensors 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 transmits their respective outputs
to the chair controller 85. The chair controller 85 receives the
angular output, the movement output, the pressure outputs, the
occupancy output, and the height output and determines, based on
the sensor outputs, a specific posture of the user. In particular,
the chair controller 85 determines whether the user is in an
upright position, a reclined position, a perch position, or a
slouch position. In the upright position, the user's back is
resting on the back 40 of the chair 20 while the reclining angle
(e.g., as measured by the chair accelerometer) of the back 40 of
the chair 20 remains below a predetermined reclining threshold
(e.g., 2 degrees). In a reclined position, the user's back is also
resting on the back 40 of the chair 20, but the reclining angle of
the back 40 of the chair exceeds the predetermined reclining
threshold or a similar predetermined threshold (e.g., 3 degrees).
In a perch position, the user's back is separated from the back of
the chair 20 and the user occupies a front portion of the seat 45
of the chair 20. In a slouch position, the user's back is resting
on the back 40 of the chair 20, but in contrast to the reclined or
the upright positions, the user exerts more pressure on his/her
higher back than on his/her lower back. Therefore, in the slouch
position, a difference between a measurement from the first
capacitive sensor 65 and a measurement from the second capacitive
sensor 70 is greater than in the previous positions (e.g., upright,
reclined, perch). Thereby, the first capacitive sensor 65 and the
second capacitive sensor 70 help the chair controller 85
differentiate between different seating positions of the user.
[0032] The chair controller 85 also commands the chair
communication circuit 90 to transmit the chair sensor outputs to
the wireless network 35. The chair communication circuit 90
receives the sensor outputs from the chair sensors 55, 60, 65, 70,
75, 80 and generates a wireless communication message to be
transmitted through the wireless network 35. In the illustrated
embodiment, the chair communication circuit 90 includes a
Bluetooth.RTM. communication circuit having, for example, a
processor, a transceiver, and an antenna. In other embodiments, the
chair communication circuit 90 can communicate wirelessly using a
different communication protocol (e.g., via Wi-Fi.RTM., near field
communications, Zig-bee.RTM. communications, Z-wave.RTM.
communications, and the like). As shown in FIG. 1, the chair
communication circuit 90 can transmit and receive wireless messages
from the desk 25 and the mobile communication device 30 through the
network 35. In the illustrated embodiment, the network 35 is a
Bluetooth.RTM. network. In some embodiments, the chair
communication circuit 90 transmits wireless messages including the
sensor outputs from the chair sensors 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80. The
chair communication circuit 90 may additionally or alternatively
transmit wireless messages including information determined by the
chair controller 85. For example, the chair communication circuit
90 may transmit a message including a determined position for the
user, whether the chair 20 has rotated, whether the chair has
received an impact, or a combination of the above.
[0033] Each of the chair sensors 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, the chair
controller 85, and the chair communication circuit 90 are
electrically connected to a chair power supply. The chair power
supply provides electrical power to the components of the chair 20.
In some embodiments, the chair 20 may include additional components
to condition the power from the chair power supply (e.g., to
conform power from the power supply to specifications of each of
the components of the chair 20). In the illustrated embodiment, the
chair power supply includes a non-rechargeable lithium battery
supported by the chair 20. In other embodiments, a different
battery, such as a rechargeable battery, or different power source
may be used.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the desk 25 includes a work surface 150
and a support framework 153. The support framework 153 includes a
first leg 155 and a second leg 160 for supporting the work surface
150 above the ground. In other embodiments, the support framework
153 may include fewer or more legs, and/or may support the work
surface 150 at the sides or at the back of the work surface 150.
The illustrated desk 25 also includes a manual actuator 165 coupled
to the work surface 150, and a communication zone 170 defined on
the work surface 150. As shown in FIG. 1, the desk 25 further
includes a desk accelerometer 175, a user-presence sensor 180, a
motor 185, a desk controller 190, and a desk communication circuit
195. The term "desk sensors" is used to refer to sensors 175 and
180 individually, collectively, and in combination with other
sensors not explicitly noted here.
[0035] The motor 185 is physically coupled (e.g., via gears, belts,
and pulleys, or other suitable mechanisms) to the first leg 155 and
the second leg 160. In some embodiments, a single motor may be
coupled to both legs 155, 160. In other embodiments, the desk 25
may include two motors 185, such that one motor is coupled to each
leg 155, 160. When energized, the motor 185 changes the position
(i.e., height) of the support framework 153 by adjusting the
heights of the first leg 155 and the second leg 160. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first leg 155 and the second leg 160
are telescoping legs such that they can change positions between a
raised position (e.g., to be used while standing) and a lowered
position (e.g., to be used while sitting). FIG. 5 illustrates the
desk 25 in the lowered position (or sitting position) in which the
height of the first leg 155 and the height of the second leg 160
are reduced. FIG. 6, on the other hand, illustrates the desk 25 in
the raised position in which the height of the first leg 155 and
the height of the second leg 160 are increased. The motor 185 can
also move the desk 25 to any intermediate height between the
maximum height and the minimum height to adjust to specific user
body types and seating and standing patterns. The motor 185
electrically communicates with the desk controller 190 to receive a
command to lower and/or raise the top surface 150.
[0036] The actuator 165 is electrically coupled to the desk
controller 190 to allow a user to manually control the motor 185.
As shown in FIG. 7, the actuator 165 is a paddle switch including a
preset button 205 and a movable switch 210. When the preset button
205 is activated (e.g., by receiving an input from a user), the
desk 25 switches between the raised height (e.g., at a
predetermined height) to the lowered height (e.g., at a different
predetermined height). In contrast, the movable switch 210 is
actuatable in a first downward direction and in a second upward
direction. When the movable switch 210 is actuated by a user, the
work surface 150 follows the movement of the movable switch 210. In
other words, when the movable switch 210 is moved upward, the desk
25 increases its height until the user stops activating the movable
switch 210, or until the user activates the movable switch 210 in
the downward direction. Similarly, when the movable switch 210 is
moved downward, the desk 25 decreases its height until the user
stops activating the movable switch 210, or until the user
activates the movable switch 210 in the upward direction. The
preset button 205 and the movable switch 210 generate and transmit
output signals to the desk controller 190. The desk controller 190
in turn converts the outputs received from the preset button 205
and the movable switch 210 into control signals for the motor
185.
[0037] In other embodiments, other suitable actuators may be
employed. For example, the illustrated paddle switch 165 may only
include the movable switch 210 and not the preset button 205. In
such an embodiment, tapping (i.e., briefly moving) the switch 210
in one direction may move the desk 25 between the preset raised
height and the preset lowered height, while holding the switch 210
in either direction may raise or lower the desk to non-preset
positions as long as the switch 210 is held. Alternatively, the
actuator may include a switch, dial, touchscreen, or other suitable
user interface for moving the desk 25 between positions.
[0038] Additionally, the desk 25 may include an indicator light 215
(FIG. 1) associated with the actuator 165. For example, the
indicator light 215 may be positioned within the actuator 165 to
illuminate the actuator 165. The indicator light 215 indicates a
state of the desk 25. In the some embodiments, the indicator light
215 lights up in a first color and/or at a first frequency to
indicate that the desk 25 is available (e.g., unoccupied by a
user). The indicator light 215 also lights up in a second color
and/or at a second frequency to encourage the user to change
positions (e.g., from a sitting position to a standing position or
vice versa).
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the desk 25 includes the
communication zone 170 on top of the work surface 150 and near the
actuator 165. The communication zone 170 is a predefined area of
the desk 25 on which communications with the desk communication
circuit 195 and the mobile communication device 30 are maximized
and/or optimized. Due to its proximity to the desk communication
circuit 195, the communication zone 170 enhances communication
between the desk 25 and the mobile communication device 30.
Therefore, when a user places his/her mobile communication device
30 on the communication zone 170, the mobile communication device
30 pairs with the desk 25 and enables wireless communications to be
exchanged between the mobile communication device 30 and the desk
25.
[0040] Referring back to FIG. 1, the desk accelerometer 175 is
electrically coupled to the desk controller 190 and detects impacts
to the desk 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the desk
accelerometer 175 is positioned near the actuator 165. In other
embodiments, the desk accelerometer 175 may be positioned elsewhere
on the desk 25. The desk accelerometer 175 generates an impact
output when an impact on the desk 25 (e.g., a bump to the desk) is
detected and sends the impact output to the desk controller
190.
[0041] In some embodiments, a vibration sensor may be used to
replace the desk accelerometer 175. The vibration sensor may be
electrically coupled to the desk controller 190 and detects
vibrations on the desk 25, for example, tapping of a person's hand
on the desk, bumping of the chair 20 against the desk 25, and the
like. The vibration sensor may be positioned near the actuator 165,
but the vibration sensor may be positioned elsewhere on the desk
25. The sensitivity of the accelerometer 175 or vibration sensor is
calibrated to the portion of the desk 25 on which it is mounted, as
different parts of the desk 25 will oscillate or vibrate at
different amplitudes and frequencies in response to the same
impact. The vibration sensor may also be configured to generate the
impact output when a vibration is detected on the desk 25 (e.g., a
bump to the desk). The impact output from the vibration sensor,
like the impact output from the desk accelerometer 175 may be sent
to the desk controller 190.
[0042] The user-presence sensor 180 is also electrically coupled to
the desk controller 190. In the illustrated embodiment, the
user-presence sensor 180 is an infrared (IR) sensor. The IR sensor
180 detects changes in the infrared frequencies such as, for
example, from 300 GHz to 1 THz. The IR sensor 180 can detect when a
person is nearby due to his/her body heat. Therefore, when a user
is nearby (e.g., standing in front of the desk 25), the IR sensor
180 generates a positive thermal output. In contrast, when the user
is remote from the desk 25 (e.g., left the location of the desk),
the IR sensor 180 generates a decreasing thermal output indicative
of the ambient temperature or an unchanging thermal output. In the
illustrated embodiment, the IR sensor 180 is positioned near the
paddle switch 165 and pointed toward the middle of the desk 25, as
shown in FIG. 5. In this position, the IR sensor 180 is pointed
toward an expected location for the user, and can, therefore, more
easily and more accurately determine whether a user is standing
nearby. The IR sensor 180 sends the thermal output to the desk
controller 190 to indicate whether the user is near the desk 25 or
remote from the desk 25.
[0043] The desk communication circuit 195 receives the sensor
outputs from the desk sensors 175, 180 and from the paddle switch
165. The desk communication circuit 195 is also configured to
receive the communications (e.g., messages) from the chair
communication circuit 90. The communications from the chair
communication circuit 90 may include indications of outputs from
the chair sensors 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 (e.g., sensor data),
and/or may include indications of determinations already made by
the chair controller 85 (e.g., determined position of the user,
whether the chair 20 has rotated, whether an impact was received at
the chair 20, and the like). In the illustrated embodiment, the
desk communication circuit 195 includes a Bluetooth.RTM.
communication circuit having, for example, a processor, a
transceiver, and an antenna. In other embodiments, the desk
communication circuit 195 communicates using different
communication protocols (e.g., via Wi-Fi.RTM., Zig-bee.RTM.,
Z-wave.RTM., near field communications, and the like). As shown in
FIG. 1, the desk communication circuit 195 can transmit and receive
wireless messages from the chair 20 and the mobile communication
device through the network 35. As discussed above, in the
illustrated embodiment, the network 35 is a Bluetooth.RTM. piconet.
In the illustrated embodiment, the desk communication circuit 195
is configured to receive wireless messages from the chair
communication circuit 90 including outputs from the chair sensors
55, 60, 65, 70, 75 80, and/or determinations made by the chair
controller 85.
[0044] Each of the desk sensors 175, 180, the motor 185, the desk
controller 190, and the desk communication circuit 195 is connected
to a desk power supply. The desk power supply provides electrical
power to the components of the desk 25. In the illustrated
embodiments, the desk power supply includes a connection to an AC
power source (e.g., a wall outlet). The desk power supply may
include additional electrical components (e.g., voltage converters,
filters, rectifiers, and the like) to condition the power from the
AC power source to conform to the power specification of each of
the components of the desk 25. In other embodiments, the desk power
supply may include or connect to a different type of power
source.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the desk controller 190 is
implemented by a processor or microcontroller. In some embodiments,
the chair controller 85 and the desk controller 190 are implemented
as separate microprocessor, each including a separate memory (not
shown). In other embodiments, the chair controller 85 and the desk
controller 190 may be each implemented as a microcontroller (with
memory on the same chip). In other embodiments, the chair
controller 85 and the desk controller 190 may each be implemented
using multiple processors. In addition, the chair controller 85 and
the desk controller 190 may each be implemented partially or
entirely as, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA),
an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the like and
the corresponding memory may not be needed or be modified
accordingly. In this example, the memory of the chair controller 85
and the desk controller 190 each includes non-transitory,
computer-readable memory that stores instructions that are received
and executed by the chair controller 85 and the desk controller
190, respectively, to carry out functionality of the pairing device
110 described herein. The memory of each the chair controller 85
and the desk controller 190 may include, for example, a program
storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and
the data storage area may include combinations of different types
of memory, such as a read-only memory and random-access memory.
[0046] The desk controller 190 is electrically coupled to the
paddle switch 165, the desk accelerometer 175, the IR sensor 180,
the motor 185, the desk power supply, and the desk communication
circuit 195. As described above, in some embodiments, a vibration
sensor may replace the desk accelerometer 175. The desk controller
190 receives the impact output from the desk accelerometer 175 (or
the vibration sensor) and the thermal output from the IR sensor
180. The desk controller 190 uses these outputs to, among other
things, pair the chair 20 with the desk 25, and determine whether
to raise or lower the desk 25.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a method implemented by the desk
controller 190 to pair the chair communication circuit 90 with the
desk communication circuit 195. According to the method shown in
FIG. 8, the desk 25 automatically pairs with a chair 20 after the
desk 25 receives a predetermined number of responses from the same
chair 20 (e.g., thereby indicating continued proximity). At step
230, the desk communication circuit 195 periodically generates a
broadcast signal. At step 235, the desk communication circuit 195
then receives a response signal from the chair 20 and, more
specifically, from the chair communication circuit 90. The desk
controller 190 then determines whether more than a predetermined
number of responses from the same chair 20 have been received
within a predetermined period (step 240). For example, the desk
controller 190 may determine whether more than 10 responses have
been received from the same chair 20 over a period of approximately
2 hours. In other embodiments, the number of responses and/or the
period may change. If the desk controller 190 determines that the
desk communication circuit 195 has received more than the
predetermined number of responses from the same chair 20 within the
predetermined period, the desk communication circuit 195 pairs with
the chair communication circuit 90 (step 245). In some embodiments,
the desk 25 and/or the chair 20 may be equipped with a speaker,
display, or other output device that indicates to the user that the
desk 25 and the chair 20 have been successfully paired. On the
other hand, if the desk controller 190 determines that insufficient
responses from the same chair 20 have been received, the desk 25
continues to generate periodic broadcast signals to find a chair 20
with which to pair (step 230).
[0048] In some embodiments, the desk communication circuit 195 and
the chair communication circuit 90 do not pair based on the number
of responses to the broadcast signal. Rather, in some embodiments,
the desk controller 190 simply determines whether the particular
chair 20 has been within proximity for more than a predetermined
period of time (e.g., three hours). In some embodiments, the desk
controller 190 may determine that the chair 20 is proximate to the
desk 25 when the chair 20 is positioned underneath the desk 25 for
the predetermined period of time.
[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates another method implemented by the desk
controller 190 that pairs the desk communication circuit 195 and
the chair communication circuit 90 in response to a user action. If
immediate (or faster) pairing between the chair 20 and the desk 25
is desired, the user may bump or tap the chair 20 against the desk
25 (step 250). At step 255, in response to the impact between the
chair 20 and the desk 25, the chair movement sensor 60 and the desk
accelerometer 175 (or the desk vibration sensor) each detects an
impact and generates a movement output and an impact output,
respectively. Since both the chair 20 and the desk 25 are impacted
at the same time, the outputs are generated nearly simultaneously.
Because the movement output and the impact output were generated in
response to the same impact, the movement output and the impact
output also have similar signatures. For example, the movement
output and the impact output may have approximately equal
amplitudes and durations, and may have opposing directions. The
desk controller 190 then receives the impact output from the desk
accelerometer 175 or from the vibration sensor (step 260). Nearly
simultaneously, the desk communication circuit 195 receives a
message (or the movement output) from the chair communication
circuit 90 indicating that an impact was detected by the chair
movement sensor 60 (step 265). Since the impact output from the
desk accelerometer 175 (or the vibration sensor) and the message
from the chair communication circuit 90 regarding a detected impact
at the chair 20 happen within a predetermined time of each other,
the desk controller 190 determines that the nearby chair 20 was
impacted intentionally against the desk 25 to cause the chair 20
and the desk 25 to pair (step 270). In the illustrated embodiment,
the desk controller 190 also compares the signatures associated
with the movement output and the impact output (step 273).
[0050] If the signatures are similar, the desk controller 190
proceeds to step 275 for the chair communication circuit 90 and the
desk communication circuit 195 to pair successfully. In the
illustrated embodiment, the desk controller 190 determines that the
signatures are similar when the signatures include specific and
measurable similarities, such as, for example, an approximately
equal amplitude and duration, opposing direction, and the like. In
some embodiments, the desk controller 190 may require a double bump
or tap (e.g., two or more successive impacts within a short period
of time) to confirm that the impact was intentional. If, on the
other hand, the desk controller 190 determines that the signatures
are not similar, the desk communication circuit 195 does not pair
with the suggested chair 20 because most likely the suggested chair
20 did not hit the desk 25 intentionally. In such an instance, the
desk controller 190 continues to monitor for a signal from the
chair movement sensor 60 and the desk accelerometer 175 or for
other signals from the chair and desk sensors 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,
80, 175, 180 (step 280). Using the information from the chair
movement sensor 60 and from the desk accelerometer 190, the desk
controller 190 can compare the attitude of the movement output of
the chair movement sensor 60 and determine a relational rotation of
the chair 20 with respect to the desk 25.
[0051] In some embodiments, the desk controller 190 implements the
method described with respect to FIG. 9 using information (e.g.,
outputs) from distance sensors positioned on both the chair 20 and
the desk 25. The distance sensors may be used instead of or in
addition to the chair movement sensor 60 and the desk accelerometer
175 (or vibration sensor). In such embodiments, the chair 20 and
the desk 25 are each equipped with a distance sensor (e.g., an
ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, and the like). Each distance
sensor transmits a signal (e.g., an ultrasonic signal or an
infrared signal). When the signal generated by the distance sensor
reaches another furniture item (e.g., the chair 20 or the desk 25),
the signal bounces back to the distance sensor. Based on a
parameter of the received return signal (e.g., a signal strength,
time-of-flight, etc.), the distance sensor indicates a distance
between the distance sensor and the other furniture item. In other
words, a first distance sensor on the chair 20 indicates a first
distance between the chair 20 and the desk 25, while a second
distance sensor on the desk 25 indicates a second distance between
the desk 25 and the chair 20. When using distance sensors rather
than the movement sensors 60, 175, the desk controller 190 performs
similar steps as those described with respect to FIG. 9. In
particular, the desk controller 190 determines whether the changes
in the distance outputs from the distance sensors indicate that the
chair 20 "bumped" the desk 25. In this context, the term "bump" can
mean actual physical contact or the distance sensor determining
that the chair 20 is in close proximity to the desk 25. The desk
controller 190 may monitor the distance outputs from the chair 20
and the desk 25 over time to determine whether the distance outputs
from both the chair 20 and the desk 25 are changing at
approximately the same time and at approximately the same rate. For
example, if the movement of both distance sensors increase at the
same time, the desk controller 190 determines that the chair 20 is
moving away from the desk 25. Alternatively, if the measurements of
both distance sensors decrease at the same time, the desk
controller 190 determines that the chair 20 is moving toward the
desk 25. This information can be used by the desk controller 190 to
determine that the chair 20 and the desk 25 were intentionally
"tapped" and therefore pair the furniture items 20, 25
together.
[0052] Once the chair communication circuit 90 and the desk
communication circuit 195 are paired, the chair communication
circuit 90 periodically sends messages to the desk communication
circuit 195. As mentioned above, the messages may include sensor
data and/or determinations made by the chair controller 85. The
chair communication circuit 90 may send the messages at
predetermined time intervals (e.g., once every 30 seconds) or may
send messages when a change in sensor data and/or a new
determination is made. The exchange of communications between the
chair communication circuit 90 and the desk communication circuit
195 enable the desk controller 190 to raise and lower the work
surface 150, with or without user input. For example, the desk 25
can prompt a user sitting in the paired chair 20 (e.g., by
activating the indicator light 215) to actuate the actuator 165 and
raise the desk 25 if the user has been sitting for an extended
period of time. Alternatively, the desk 25 can automatically raise
and lower the work surface 150 by monitoring both the chair sensors
55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and the desk sensors 175, 180.
[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates a method of automatically raising and
lowering the desk 25 based on the monitoring the chair sensors 55,
60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and the desk sensors 175, 180. By monitoring a
combination of the occupancy sensor 75, the rotation sensor 55, and
the IR sensor 180, the desk controller 190 can determine whether
the user is currently occupying the chair 20, whether the user is
currently standing in front of the desk 25 (e.g., waiting for the
desk 25 to move to the raised position), and whether the user left
the vicinity of the chair 20 and desk 25. For example, typically
when a user leaves the vicinity of the chair 20 and desk 25, the
chair 20 is rotated such that the seat 45 of the chair 20 faces
toward the right or the left side of the desk 25. By contrast, when
a user switches from a sitting position to a standing position
(e.g., to utilize the desk 25 at its raised position), the chair 20
is not rotated, but is rather pushed 20 straight back as the user
stands up. Therefore, by monitoring a combination of the occupancy
sensor 75, the rotation sensor 55, and the IR sensor 180, the desk
controller 190 can accurately and automatically determine whether
the user is standing up from the chair 20 to leave the desk 25, or
whether the user is standing up from the chair 20 stand and work at
the desk 25. Based on this determination, the desk controller 190
raises the desk 25, lowers the desk 25, or maintains the desk 25 in
its current position.
[0054] In the example illustrated by FIG. 10, the desk 25 starts at
the lowered position (step 300). The desk controller 190 then
proceeds to monitor the occupancy output from the occupancy sensor
75 of the chair 20 (step 305). If (at step 310) the occupancy
output is high (thereby indicating that a user is occupying the
chair 20), the desk controller 190 determines that the user remains
seated (step 315) and keeps the desk 25 at the lowered position
(step 320). If, on the other hand, the desk controller 190
determines (at step 310) that the occupancy output is low (thereby
indicating that the chair 20 is unoccupied), the desk controller
190 proceeds to check the angular output from the rotation sensor
55 (step 323). At step 323, the desk controller 190 determines
whether the angular output from the rotation sensor 55 indicates
that the chair 20 has rotated. If the desk controller 190
determines that the angular output from the rotation sensor 55
indicates that the chair 20 has rotated (i.e., that the chair 20 is
unoccupied and the chair 20 was recently rotated), the desk
controller 190 determines that the user has left the vicinity of
the chair 20 and desk 25 (step 325). In other words, the desk
controller 190 determines the user is in an absent position when
the rotation sensor 55 indicates that the chair 20 has rotated.
Since the user has left the vicinity of the chair 20 and desk 25,
the desk controller 190 maintains the desk 25 at the lowered
position (step 320).
[0055] In contrast, if the desk controller 190 determines (at step
323) that the angular output from the rotation sensor 55 indicates
that the chair 20 was not rotated prior to being vacated, the desk
controller 190 proceeds to monitor the thermal output from the IR
sensor 180 (step 330). In particular, at step 330, the desk
controller 190 determines whether the thermal output from the IR
sensor 180 is high, indicating that the user remains nearby (e.g.,
in front of the desk 25). If the desk controller 190 determines
that the thermal output is low (thereby indicating an absence of
the user), the desk controller 190 then determines that the user
has left the vicinity of the chair 20 and desk 25 (step 325), and
the desk controller 190 maintains the desk 25 at the lowered height
(step 320). If, however, the desk controller 190 determines that
the thermal output form the IR sensor 180 is high (thereby
indicating the presence of the user), the desk controller 190
determines that the user is standing in front of the desk 25 (step
335), and automatically (i.e., without further user input)
energizes the motor 185 to raise the desk 25 from the lowered
position to the raised position (step 340). In some embodiments,
the user changes from a sitting position to a standing position in
response to the indicator light 215 on the paddle switch 165
changing colors to remind the user to change positions (e.g., from
a sitting position to a standing position).
[0056] Once the desk 25 is at the raised position, the desk
controller 190 continues to monitor whether the occupancy output
from the occupancy sensor 75 is high (step 345). A change in the
occupancy output from the occupancy sensor 75 to high indicates
that the user changes from a standing position to a sitting
position. Therefore, if the desk controller 190 determines that the
occupancy output from the occupancy sensor 75 is high, the desk
controller 190 determines that the user is sitting on the chair 20
(step 350), and automatically (i.e., without user input) energizes
the motor 185 to lower the desk 25 from the raised position to the
lowered position (step 355). If the desk controller 190 determines
that the occupancy output from the occupancy sensor 75 remains low,
the desk controller 190 monitors the thermal output from the IR
sensor 180 (step 347). If the IR sensor 180 determines that the
user is no longer present (step 347), the desk controller 190
automatically lowers the desk 25 (step 355) to the lowered position
and returns to step 300 to monitor the occupancy sensor 75, the
rotation sensor 55, and the IR sensor 180. In other embodiments,
the desk controller 190 may leave the desk 25 in the raised
position when the user is absent.
[0057] The user can override the desk controller 190 by manually
lowering or raising the desk 25. For example, if the desk
controller 190 determines that the user shifted from a sitting
position to a standing position and commands the motor 185 to
increase the height of the desk 25, the user may override the
change in desk height using the manual actuator 165. The desk
controller 190 may then receive a user input via the manual
actuator 165 and change the control signal sent to the motor 185 in
response to the user input. In one example, the desk controller 190
determines a desired position (or movement) of the desk 25 based on
the user input. The desk controller 190 overrides the first control
signal sent to the motor 185 when the desired position (or
direction of movement) is different (e.g., opposite) than that
indicated by the first control signal. The desk controller 190 may
then send a second control signal to the motor 185 such that the
height of the desk 25 (e.g., the support framework 153) reaches the
desired height. After the automatic control of the desk 25 is
overridden by the manual actuator 165, the desk controller logic
automatically jumps to step 300 or step 340, based on the height of
the desk 25. In these instances, however, the desk controller 190
may remain at step 300 or step 340 until the logic is retriggered
by a user sitting on the chair 20 and thereby triggering the
occupancy sensor 75. After the user sits on the chair 20 and the
occupancy sensor 75 is triggered (e.g., outputs a high occupancy
output), the desk controller 190 continues with the logic from step
305 and the desk 25 automatically lowers or raises according to the
user's position.
[0058] In summary, the method shown in FIG. 10 illustrates that the
desk 25 is configured to determine whether the user is sitting on
the chair 20 (e.g., if the occupancy sensor 75 indicates the chair
20 is occupied), whether the user is currently standing in front of
the desk 25 (e.g., if the occupancy sensor 75 indicates the chair
20 is vacant, the chair 20 was not rotated before being vacated,
and the IR sensor 180 continues to indicate a user is nearby), or
whether the user left the vicinity of the chair 20 and desk 25
(e.g., if the occupancy sensor 75 indicates that the chair 20 is
vacant, the chair 20 was rotated before being vacated, and the IR
sensor 180 indicates that the user is absent). When the desk
controller 190 determines that the user is sitting on the chair 20,
the desk controller 190 automatically energizes the motor 185 to
lower the desk 25 to the lowered position. Additionally, when the
desk controller 190 determines that the user is standing in front
of the desk 25, the desk controller 190 automatically energizes the
motor 185 to raise the desk 25 to the raised position. When the
desk controller 190 determines that the user has vacated the
vicinity of the chair 20 and desk 25, the desk controller 190
automatically restores the desk 25 to the lowered position. In some
embodiments, when the desk controller 190 determines that the user
has vacated the vicinity of the chair 20 and desk 25, the desk
controller 190 maintains the desk 25 in its current position.
[0059] Although the methods described with respect to FIGS. 8-10
were described as being performed by the desk controller 190, in
some embodiments, the chair controller 85 may perform some or all
of the steps described with respect to FIGS. 8-10. Alternatively,
an external controller (e.g., a processor of the mobile
communication device 30) may perform the steps as described with
respect to FIGS. 8-10. Additionally, although the method described
with respect to FIG. 10 includes monitoring the occupancy sensor
75, the rotation sensor 55, and the IR sensor 180, in some
embodiments only a subset of those sensors 55, 75, 180 are
monitored and analyzed to determine when the automatically move the
desk 25 from the raised position to the lowered position and/or
from the lowered position to the raised position.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile communication device 30 also
communicates with the chair 20 and desk 25 wirelessly through the
network 35. The mobile communication device 30 is, for example, a
smartphone, a tablet computer, or a fob that is carried by a user.
The illustrated mobile communication device 30 includes output
devices 360, a processor 365, a memory 370, and a device
communication circuit 375. The mobile communication device 30
communicates with the chair 20 and the desk 25 through the device
communication circuit 375 and the wireless network 35. In the
illustrated embodiment, the wireless network 35 includes a mesh
network. In other embodiments, however, other types of networks can
be used instead. As discussed above, the wireless network 35 is a
Bluetooth.RTM. network. In other embodiments, the wireless network
35 may be another type of network such as, for example, a
Wi-Fi.RTM. network, a Zig-bee network, a Z-wave.RTM. network, a
near field communication network, and the like.
[0061] In order to enable communications between the mobile
communication device 30, the chair 20, and the desk 25, the mobile
communication device 30 is paired to the desk 25. To pair the
mobile communication device 30 to the desk 25, the mobile
communication device 30 is positioned on the communication zone
170. When the mobile communication device 30 is placed on the
communication zone 170 of the desk 25, the desk communication
circuit 195 and the device communication circuit 375 are within
communication range of each other and are paired. The mobile
communication device 30 may display, via the output devices 360, a
confirmation that the mobile communication device 30 has paired
with the desk 25. In some embodiments, the chair 20 may also
include a communication zone to pair with the mobile communication
device 30.
[0062] When the mobile communication device 30 is paired with the
desk 25 or chair 20 for the first time, the mobile communication
device 30 generates a graphical user interface that guides the user
through a chair set up and/or through a desk set up. FIG. 11 shows
an exemplary screenshot of a graphical user interface (GUI) 380
that displays an illustration 385 of a proper posture on the chair
20, as well as an instruction 390 on how to achieve the proper
posture shown in the illustration 385. In the illustrated
embodiment, the graphical user interface 380 guides the user
through how to achieve a proper pose with respect to the back 40 of
the chair 20. The graphical user interface 380 may additionally or
alternatively guide the user through proper poses with respect to a
height of the seat 45 and/or a tilt of the seat 45 with respect to
a horizontal level (e.g., the floor). The graphical user interface
380 also displays at least one navigation actuator 395 to receive
more information regarding proper postures. If the chair 25 is
outfitted with actuators to adjust height, tilt resistance, arm
height, or lumbar support, the mobile communication device 30 would
be able to adjust those settings via the graphical user interface
380.
[0063] When the mobile communication device 30 pairs with the desk
25, the mobile communication device 30 can also generate a second
graphical user interface 400, as shown in FIG. 12. The second
graphical user interface 400 also displays a second illustration
405 of a proper posture on the desk 25, as well as an instruction
410 on how to achieve the illustrated posture. Additionally, when
adjusting the desk 25, the graphical user interface 400 displays a
save option 415 to save the current height of the desk 25 as a
preset configuration to be associated with a particular user. The
second graphical user interface 400 also displays at least one
navigation actuator 420 to guide the user through proper postures
on the desk 25. In some embodiments, while the mobile communication
device 30 displays the second graphical user interface 400, the
indicator light 215 flashes or stays lit in a specific color to
indicate that individual set up is currently taking place.
[0064] If the mobile communication device 30 has paired with the
desk 25 and/or chair 20 before, the mobile communication device 30
displays a welcome screen 425 that displays available presets for
the desk 25 and/or chair 20, as shown in FIG. 13. The desk
controller 190 is configured to recognize the user based on the
paired mobile communication device 30. In the exemplary welcome
screen 425 of FIG. 13, the mobile communication device 30
illustrates a Preset One 430 and a Preset Two 435 for selection.
Preset one 430 represents the specific height for the desk 25 in
the raised height for the particular user of the mobile
communication device 30. In other words, the Preset One 430 stores
the height of the desk 25 that was stored when the user's forearms
were parallel to the floor when the user was in a standing
position. Analogously, the Preset Two 435 stores the height of the
desk 25 that was stored when the user's forearms were parallel to
the floor when the user was in a sitting position. A user may
select Preset One or Preset Two by selecting one of the actuators
on the welcome screen 425. Alternatively or additionally, a user
may select Preset One or Preset Two by tapping on the preset button
205, which automatically moves the desk 25 to one of the raised
position or the lowered position according to the heights stored on
the Preset One and/or Preset Two. In some embodiments, the user may
sign in directly to the desk 25 using, for example, a passcode, a
biometric sensor, and the like. The desk 25 may then identify the
user and move the desk 25 to match the user's stored preferred
height (e.g., Preset One or Present Two).
[0065] The mobile communication device 30 allows a user to move
between sit-stand desks and have his/her preset settings (e.g.,
desk heights) automatically associated with that desk. Similarly,
by storing user's preferences on a mobile communication device,
different users can use the same sit-stand desk without having to
reprogram the desk for each user. Instead, the desk can
automatically determine a particular user's preferences by pairing
and communicating with his/her mobile communication device.
[0066] Once paired, the mobile communication device 30 receives
information regarding the outputs from the chair sensors 55, 60,
65, 70, 75, 80, and from the desk sensors 175, 180. The mobile
communication device 30 gathers and stores the information from the
chair and desk sensors 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 175, 180 and can
present information to the user based on the information gathered
from the chair and desk sensors 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 175, 180,
the chair controller 85, and the desk controller 190. For example,
as shown in FIG. 14, the mobile communication device 30 generates a
third graphical user interface 450 that displays daily, weekly, or
monthly data such as, for example, sit time to stand time ratios
and amount of time spent in particular sitting postures (e.g.,
reclined upright, and perching). Additionally, the third graphical
user interface 450 may also provide more or less information about
progress toward a particular goal (e.g., a particular target sit
time to stand time ratio), or the like. In some embodiments, the
mobile communication device 30 may generate an alert, or
communicate with the chair 20 or desk 25 to generate an alert, to
recommend to the user to switch from a sitting position to a
standing position, or from a standing position to a sitting
position. Providing the third graphical user interface 450 for the
user allows the user to maintain control over how he/she interacts
with the chair 20 and desk 25, while at the same time improving
posture and sit time to stand time ratios with a plan for long term
goals.
[0067] In some embodiments, the mobile communication device 30 may
transmit the user data to a remote server for storage and easy
retrieval. For example, the user data could be shared with a
company's human resources department as part of a wellness
plan.
[0068] Additionally, although the smart furnishing system 100 was
described with respect to only one chair 20 and one desk 25, it
should be understood that a plurality of chairs, a plurality of
desks, and a plurality of mobile communication devices could be in
communication with each other through the wireless network 35.
Therefore, a chair 20 could be moved from one desk to another
without losing any of the advantages of using an intelligent chair
20 as the one described herein.
[0069] Thus, the invention provides, among other things, an
intelligent furnishing system configured to automatically change
position of at least one furnishing item based on sensors of a
different furnishing item. Various features and advantages of the
invention are set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *